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LAPLACE — Opening soon at 948 Cambridge Drive Ste. 104 in LaPlace, Salad Depot is geared toward healthy living.

Nicole Hayes White and her husband, Joseph, created Salad Depot to expand the options of healthy meals in St. John the Baptist Parish beyond the usual fried food selections.

“St. John Parish has a lot of fast food options, but we don’t have that healthy living option where someone can come in and get a salad with all fresh ingredients that’s not pre-made,” White said.

Salad Depot will offer grilled chicken, grilled shrimp and grilled salmon salads, in addition to a chef’s salad. Grilled chicken and grilled shrimp wraps will also be offered. As the business progresses, Salad Depot will expand to offer soups and gumbo.

The business is take-out only, with seating and television screens available inside for individuals waiting on orders.

“Once your order is prepared, it’s bagged with your dressing of choice, and you’re out the door,” White said. “Most orders take an average of five to 10 minutes to prepare, depending on what toppings you want.”

White started operating Salad Depot from her home in October 2021. It all started when White, a crime scene investigator with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, prepared a salad to take to work. Almost immediately, her coworker asked where she bought it from. When she replied that she made it at home, he asked her to bring him one the next day.

Word spread fast, and White soon had more than 50 customers placing orders.

By December, White and her husband were signing a lease on the building at 948 Cambridge Drive in LaPlace. The business is currently finishing its inspection phase and is expected to open within the next week.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held soon to celebrate the grand opening.

Salad Depot will be closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. Business hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday.

“It’s a new opportunity for the tri-parish area. It’s not just St. John. We have customers in St. James and St. Charles, even Kenner,” White said. “Everyone is excited about having a salad option.”

Orders can be placed by calling 504-994-2617. Once the business is up and running, orders can also be placed by calling 985-618-3176.